The duties of a health & safety committee - explained

The video begins by addressing the common question of what a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) does. It highlights that the exact roles can vary by jurisdiction but generally involve assisting employers and health and safety personnel in advocating for health and safety at an organizational level and participating in health and safety functions. The duties are grouped into four broad categories, and it's essential to familiarize oneself with local OHS authority requirements.

One of the main duties of a health and safety committee is to be visible participants and promoters of the health and safety program. This involves leading by example, promoting health and safety policies and programs to co-workers, contractors, consultants, and visitors. They also assist in the education and training of new workers, reviewing onboarding processes, and championing best practice approaches to health and safety, integrating them into daily work life.

Health and safety committees are involved in hazard recognition, risk assessment, and participating in workplace inspections and incident investigations. They play a crucial role in health and safety program development and management system development by collaborating with stakeholders and work groups. They are also instrumental in promoting programs for improving health and safety training and education among employees, and can consult with technical experts or leverage in-house expertise.

The committees contribute to health and safety management system quality control and assurance by monitoring program effectiveness and procedures. This includes comparing current practices to existing legislation, making recommendations for incident prevention, and reviewing program data such as inspection records, incident reports, and hazard assessments. They also follow up on preventive measures and corrective actions, ensuring a continuous improvement cycle.

JOHSCs represent both the workforce and management regarding health and safety concerns. They respond to employee and management concerns, complaints, and suggestions. Committee members assist the employer in resolving workplace safety complaints, work refusals, and work stoppages, often being required to participate in investigations. They then make recommendations to promote safe work practices and corrective actions, emphasizing that these recommendations should be driven by a genuine concern for safety, not political leverage.

In summary, health and safety committees are proactive in identifying, assessing, and recommending corrective actions for hazards. They are integral to program development, supporting personnel, and ensuring quality control and assurance. Their most important role is representing both workforce and management to make practical and effective recommendations for safety concerns. For a committee to be effective, its members must demonstrate a genuine concern for the health and safety of every organizational member, fostering a positive safety culture.